Lap Band Surgery in New Jersey | Gastric Band Care at WLWC
Choosing a weight loss procedure involves more than deciding to have surgery. Patients may also consider how the procedure affects digestion, whether it can be adjusted, and what type of long-term follow-up it requires.
For eligible patients who prefer an adjustable option that does not remove part of the stomach or reroute the intestines, Lap Band surgery may be considered. It can support gradual weight loss but requires regular band adjustments, dietary changes, and continued follow-up.
At the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Dr. Saniea F. Majid, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, provides personalized Lap Band care across New Jersey. The WLWC team supports patients through preparation, recovery, adjustments, nutrition, and weight management.
What is Lap Band Surgery?
Lap Band surgery is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure in which the surgeon places an inflatable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. The band creates a pouch above it, helping patients feel full after smaller portions.
A narrow tube connects the band to an access port under the skin. During follow-up visits, Dr. Majid can add or remove saline through the port to make the opening tighter or looser. These adjustments change how quickly food passes into the rest of the stomach and help control restriction.
The procedure does not remove or divide the stomach or reroute the intestines. The band can also be surgically removed if needed. However, Lap Band surgery usually produces slower and less weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass and requires long-term follow-up. Some patients may eventually need band removal or revision because of inadequate weight loss, weight regain, intolerance, or a band-related problem.
Benefits of Lap Band Surgery
Explore the features of adjustable gastric banding and the follow-up care needed to support gradual weight loss.
Less Invasive
Does not divide the stomach or reroute the small intestine.
Adjustable Band
Band tightness can be increased or decreased through the access port.
Removable Band
The band can be removed if needed, although removal requires surgery.
No Dumping
Not typically linked to rapid intestinal emptying after gastric bypass.
4 NJ Locations
Care is available in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield, and Rahway.
Payment Options
Self-pay options may include Cherry Financing and CareCredit.
Who May Be a Candidate for Lap Band Surgery?
Lap Band surgery may be appropriate for selected adults who qualify for bariatric surgery and prefer an adjustable procedure that does not divide the stomach or reroute the intestines. Dr. Majid evaluates your health, eating patterns, previous treatments, and ability to attend regular follow-up. You may be a candidate if you meet the following criteria:
You have a BMI of 35 or higher, with or without obesity-related conditions
You have a BMI between 30 and 34.9 with metabolic disease or inadequate results from nonsurgical treatment
Previous weight-loss efforts have not produced substantial or lasting results
You understand the expected weight loss and possibility of future band removal or revision
You receive the required clearances and can commit to dietary changes, band adjustments, and long-term follow-up
Meeting these criteria does not automatically mean Lap Band surgery is right for you. Weight loss is generally slower and less substantial than with sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. If a band is unlikely to meet your needs, Dr. Majid may recommend another surgical or nonsurgical option. WLWC also evaluates patients who need an existing band adjusted, removed, or revised because of symptoms, inadequate weight loss, or weight regain.
Health Conditions
Conditions Lap Band May Improve
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension
High cholesterol or abnormal lipid levels
Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA
Cardiovascular risk factors related to obesity
Joint pain, mobility, and quality of life
Results vary according to your health, starting weight, eating habits, physical activity, band adjustments, and follow-up. Lap Band surgery generally produces slower and less weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Weight loss may support emotional well-being and quality of life, but surgery does not replace appropriate mental health care.
What to Expect Before and
After Lap Band Surgery
Your Lap Band journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Majid. She reviews your BMI, medical history, obesity-related conditions, previous weight loss treatment, medications, eating patterns, and long-term goals. She also compares Lap Band surgery with other surgical and non-surgical options so you can understand the expected benefits, limitations, and follow-up requirements.
Before surgery is scheduled, you will complete the required medical and psychological evaluations. Dr. Majid and the WLWC team explain how the band and access port work, answer your questions, and prepare you for the dietary changes, regular adjustments, and ongoing care required after surgery.
After Lap Band surgery, your care continues with regular follow-up visits. These appointments allow Dr. Majid to monitor healing and weight loss, adjust the band when appropriate, and address problems with eating, reflux, vomiting, or swallowing. Band adjustments are made through the access port and are an important part of finding an effective level of restriction.
Postoperative care may include:
- A phased transition from liquids to soft foods and then solid foods
- Nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian
- Clinical weight management support
- Personalized physical activity and lifestyle guidance
- Weight loss support groups
- Regular band adjustments and progress reviews with Dr. Majid
If the band does not support adequate weight loss, causes ongoing symptoms, or no longer meets your needs, Dr. Majid can evaluate whether further adjustment, removal, or revision to another procedure may be appropriate.
Recovery After Lap Band Surgery
Because Lap Band surgery does not divide the stomach or reroute the intestines, recovery may be faster than after some other bariatric procedures. Many patients can go home on the day of surgery and gradually return to light activities within a few days. Your timeline will depend on your overall health and how your body responds, so follow Dr. Majid’s guidance about work, driving, lifting, and exercise.
Week 1
Clear liquids only
Begin with clear liquids, focusing on hydration while the stomach heals.
Week 2
Full liquid diet
Move to full liquids when cleared, with guidance on protein and hydration.
Week 3
Soft foods
Introduce soft foods gradually as your body adjusts to the gastric band.
Month 3
Solid foods
Continue solid foods and portion guidance based on your band settings.
Band adjustments usually begin during follow-up and continue according to your progress, hunger, portion tolerance, and symptoms. Attend every scheduled visit and contact WLWC if you develop persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, worsening reflux, severe abdominal pain, fever, or difficulty keeping fluids down.
Why Choose WLWC for Lap Band Surgery in NJ?
Lap Band Surgery is one of the most complex bariatric procedures and requires advanced surgical expertise, careful patient selection and lifelong nutritional follow-up. At the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Dr. Majid and her team help patients understand whether the procedure aligns with their health needs, weight-loss goals and ability to make long-term dietary changes.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Every plan begins with a careful review of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, health concerns, previous weight-loss efforts and goals so Dr. Majid can recommend the most appropriate option.
Comprehensive Weight-Loss Care
WLWC offers comprehensive obesity care under one roof, including surgical, endoscopic and medical weight-loss options, nutritional counselling and body contouring, so care can adapt as patients’ needs change.
Long-Term Support After Treatment
Support continues beyond treatment through follow-up care, nutritional counselling, online support groups and WLWC’s Back on Track programme for patients who need help after weight regain.
Four Convenient NJ Locations
With offices in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield and Rahway, WLWC makes consultations and follow-up care more accessible to patients across New Jersey.
Advanced Surgical Expertise
Dr. Majid is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, fellowship-trained in minimally invasive, bariatric and robotic surgery, a published researcher, past president of the New Jersey chapter of ASMBS, with 15+ years’ experience.
Insurance and Financing Support
Coverage varies by plan. WLWC works with several major insurance carriers and offers self-pay and financing options through Cherry and CareCredit. The team helps patients understand their options.
If you are considering Lap Band Surgery and want to know whether it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Majid at the Weight Loss and Wellness Center. With locations in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield and Rahway, WLWC provides personalised bariatric care and ongoing support for patients across New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Lap Band Surgery Work?
Lap Band surgery places an inflatable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch with an adjustable opening. A narrow tube connects the band to a port beneath the skin. During follow-up visits, Dr. Majid can add or remove saline through the port to adjust how quickly food passes into the rest of the stomach. This helps patients feel full after smaller portions.
Can a Lap Band Be Removed?
Yes. A surgeon can remove the Lap Band if it causes problems, does not provide adequate weight loss, or no longer meets the patient’s needs. However, removal requires another operation and does not guarantee that weight loss will be maintained. Depending on your health and goals, Dr. Majid may discuss band removal alone or revision to another bariatric procedure.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Lap Band Surgery?
Weight loss varies by patient. Lap Band surgery generally produces slower and less weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Results depend on your starting weight, overall health, eating habits, physical activity, regular band adjustments, and long-term follow-up. Dr. Majid will discuss realistic expectations based on your individual health and goals.
Does Lap Band Surgery Cause Dumping Syndrome?
Lap Band surgery is not typically associated with dumping syndrome because it does not reroute the intestines or cause food to enter the small intestine rapidly. Dumping syndrome is more commonly associated with procedures such as gastric bypass. If you develop unusual digestive symptoms after surgery, contact the WLWC team for guidance.
Will Insurance Cover Lap Band Surgery in New Jersey?
Coverage varies by insurance plan, and some insurers may not cover adjustable gastric banding even when they cover other bariatric procedures. The WLWC team can help you understand your plan’s medical-necessity, BMI, documentation, and procedure-specific requirements. Self-pay and third-party financing options through Cherry Financing and CareCredit may also be available. WLWC does not accept Medicaid plans.
Is Lap Band Surgery Available Near Me in New Jersey?
Yes. WLWC provides Lap Band consultations, follow-up care, adjustments, removal evaluations, and revision care through locations in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield, and Rahway.